Dry ice delivery service

Maryland

07/23/2023 02:03 PM EDT

08/04/2023 10:00 AM EDT

ISSUED BY: National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Office of Acquisitions (OA)

DESCRIPTION: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR) requires regular dry ice delivery.

This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for commercial items, prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice, and shall be processed in accordance with FAR Part 13– Simplified Acquisition Procedures This announcement constitutes the only solicitation that will be provided in relation to the stated need contained herein. This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ) and includes applicable provisions and clauses in effect through FAR Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2023-02 (03/16/2023).

The requirement’s suggested North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 325120 (Dry Ice Manufacturing) with a size standard of 1,000 Employees.

One Firm-Fixed-Priced award is anticipated to be made as a result of this solicitation. 

1. TITLE

Dry ice delivery service

1. BACKGROUND

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR) labs of Buildings 37 and 41 require twice-weekly deliveries of dry ice (solid CO2) for research use.  Dry ice is used for a variety of purposes in biomedical research laboratories, including rapid freezing of samples, maintaining the temperature of frozen tissues while cutting, and shipping frozen materials.  Because dry ice sublimates continually, regular deliveries are necessary to ensure a continuous supply of dry ice for lab use. 

1. TYPE OF ORDER

This shall be a Firm Fixed-Price Purchase Order for Severable Services.

1. GENERAL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

The following product features/characteristics are required:

• Regular delivery of dry ice pellets that are 1/4 inch in diameter
• Dry ice is contained in boxes of 50 lbs each
• Twice weekly deliveries of 50 lb boxes of 1/4 inch dry ice pellets in the following quantities:
  • Building 37: 35 boxes delivered twice a week, for a total of 70 boxes per week
  • Building 41: 18 boxes delivered twice a week, for a total of 36 boxes per week
  • Grand total is 106 boxes per week (53 boxes delivered twice a week between both buildings)
• Deliveries to both buildings shall be on Mondays and Thursdays.  If Monday is a holiday, the delivery is on Tuesday.  If Thursday is a holiday, the delivery is on Friday.
• Dry ice delivered to Buildings 37 and 41 shall be distributed to individual bins throughout each building.  Building 37 has 11 bins and Building 41 has 6 bins.
• Boxes of dry ice shall be emptied into CCR-owned bins on each building floor until the bins are full.  Approximately 3 boxes of 50 lbs shall be emptied into each bin.
• Excess boxes of dry ice shall be emptied into bins by the loading dock of each building (dry ice that wasn’t needed to fill bins on other floors of the building)
• Delivery tickets shall be left at the office of the NCI Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for each delivery (Building 37, Room 2012)
• Dry ice shall be manufactured locally (within 50 miles) in order to minimize clumping and loss of dry ice during transport
• Company shall be available to make emergency deliveries of dry ice in the event of equipment failure
• Liquid CO2 used to manufacture dry ice shall be sourced from multiple suppliers in order to avoid disruptions to dry ice deliveries resulting from CO2 shortages

1. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Deliveries shall be to the following addresses:

Building 37, multiple floors

37 Convent Drive

Bethesda, MD 20892

Building 41, multiple floors

41 Center Drive

Bethesda, MD 20892

DELIVERY GUIDANCE

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the vendor must pay close attention to the following delivery instructions. Please be aware that due to the fluidity of the existing pandemic, instructions may be updated as needed after award.

The Contractors shall communicate and follow instructions from the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to coordinate delivery, installation, and training.

The Contractor shall not sell supplies furnished under this order to another company or party if the NCI is unable to accept delivery due to conditions related to COVID-19.

The Contractor shall direct all courier and delivery services – including those not operated by the

Contractor (e.g. FedEx, USPS, UPS) – to follow the instructions in this section.

All companies delivering to the NIH main campus must comply with Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility (CVIF) access procedures. Upon arrival, the CVIF will provide a list of buildings and loading docks to delivery personnel.

IMPORTANT: For Building 10 - Carriers will be required to complete additional steps that include brief medical screening before unloading and entering building 10 to make deliveries. These steps are necessary to protect patients and staff. Delivery personnel may be asked a series of questions related to recent travels and if any physical symptoms relevant to COVID 19 exist.

Note: NIH campus is a restricted campus. As such all contractor personnel will be required to access campus via designated entrances where they are subject to security screening. Additionally, due to the current on going COVID-19 Pandemic there maybe additional access restrictions. Please refer to the NIH Security and Access site for more details: (www.nih.gov/about-nih/visitor-nformation/campus-access-security).

1. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The anticipated period of performance shall be twelve (12) months from date of award.

1. CONTRACTING OFFICERS REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

All services delivered to the COR will be deemed to have been accepted upon written confirmation of acceptance by the COR. The COR’s approval or revision to the services delivered shall be within the general scope of work for the Purchase Order.

The following individual shall be the COR for this task order:

COR Name: TBD

COR Email: TBD

COR Phone No.: TBD

Performance of work under this Purchase Order must be subject to the technical direction of the

Contracting Officer's Representative identified above. The term "technical direction" includes

direction to the Contractor that fills in details and otherwise serves to ensure that tasks outlined

in the statement of work are accomplished satisfactorily. Technical direction must be within the scope of the statement of work.

The Contracting Officer's Representative does not have authority to issue technical direction

that:

1. Constitutes a change of assignment or additional work outside the Statement of

                        Work (SOW);

            b.         Constitutes a change as defined in clause 52.212-4 (c) governing "Changes";

            c.         In any manner causes an increase or decrease in the contract price or the time

                        required for contract performance;

            d.         Changes any of the terms, conditions, or requirements of the contract;

            e.         Interferes with the Contractor's right to perform under the terms and conditions of                                     the contract; or

            f.          Directs, supervises, or otherwise controls the actions of the Contractor's                                         employees.

Technical direction may be oral or in writing. The Contracting Officer's Representative shall

confirm oral direction in writing within five business days, with a copy to the Contracting

Officer. The Contractor shall proceed promptly with performance resulting from the technical direction issued by the Contracting Officers Representative. If, in the opinion of the Contractor, any direction of the Contracting Officer’s Representative, or his/her designee, falls within the

limitations in (b), above, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer no later

then the beginning of the next Government business day.

Failure of the Contractor and the Contracting Officer to agree that technical direction is within

the scope of the contract shall be subject to the terms of clause 52.212-4 (d) titled "Disputes."

1. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

Pursuant to FAR clause 52.212-4, all work described in the SOW to be delivered under this

purchase order is subject to final inspection and acceptance by an authorized representative of

the Government. The authorized representative of the Government is the NCI Contracting Officers Reprsenative/Technical Point of Contact who is responsible for inspection and acceptance of all services, materials, or supplies to be provided by the Contractor.

Regardless of format, all digital content or communications materials produced as a deliverable under this purchase order, shall conform to applicable Section 508 Standards to allow Federal employees and members of the public with disabilities to have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access to and use of information and data by Federal employees or by members of the public who are not individuals with disabilities. Remediation of any materials that do not comply with the applicable Section 508 requirements as set forth below, shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

HHS guidance regarding accessibility of documents can be found at:

https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/accessibility-checklists/index.html

Federal government-wide guidance regarding accessibility of documents can be found at https://www.section508.gov/, including the documents describing the preferred method of authoring and testing documents produced in Microsoft Word 2013 or later, Microsoft Excel, and files formatted as PDF.

1. PAYMENT

Payment shall be made monthly or quarterly, in arrears. Payment authorization requires submission and approval of invoices to the Contracting Officers Representative and NIH OFM, in accordance with the payment provisions listed below:

The following clause is applicable to all Purchase Orders, Task or Delivery Orders, and Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Calls:  Prompt Payment (Jan 2017) FAR 52.232-25.  Highlights of this clause and NIH implementation requirements follow:

1. Invoice Requirements

1. 1. An invoice is the Contractor's bill or written request for payment under the contract for supplies delivered or services performed.  A proper invoice is an "Original" which must include the items listed in subdivisions 1 through 12, below, in addition to the requirements of FAR 32.9.  If the invoice does not comply with these requirements, the Contractor will be notified of the defect within 7 days after the date the designated billing office received the invoice (3 days for meat, meat food products, or fish, and 5 days for perishable agricultural commodities, dairy products, edible fats or oils) with a statement of the reasons why it is not a proper invoice.  (See exceptions under II., below.)  Untimely notification will be taken into account in the computation of any interest penalty owed the Contractor.

1. 1. 1. Vendor/Contractor:  Name, Address, Point of Contact for the invoice (Name, title, telephone number, e-mail and mailing address of point of contact).
      2. Remit-to address (Name and complete mailing address to send payment).
      3. Remittance name must match exactly with name on original order/contract.  If the Remittance name differs from the Legal Business Name, then both names must appear on the invoice.
      4. Invoice date.
      5. Unique invoice #s for all invoices per vendor regardless of site.
      6. NBS document number formats must be included for awards created in the NBS:  Contract Number; Purchase Order Number; Task or Delivery Order Number and Source Award Number (e.g., Indefinite Delivery Contract number; General Services Administration number); or, BPA Call Number and BPA Parent Award Number.
      7. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) or DUNS + 4 as registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).
      8. Federal Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).  In those exceptional cases where a Contractor does not have a DUNS number or TIN, a Vendor Identification Number (VIN) must be referenced on the invoice.  The VIN is the number that appears after the Contractor’s name on the face page of the award document.
      9. Identify that payment is to be made using a three-way match.
      10. Description of supplies/services that match the description on the award, by line billed.*
      11. Freight or delivery charge must be billed as shown on the award.  If it is included in the item price do not bill it separately.  If identified in the award as a separate line item, it must be billed separately.
      12. Quantity, Unit of Measure, Unit Price, Extended Price of supplies delivered or services performed, as applicable, and that match the line items specified in the award.*

NOTE:  If your invoice must differ from the line items on the award, please contact the Contracting Officer before submitting the invoice.  A modification to the order or contract may be needed before the invoice can be submitted and paid.

1. 1. Shipping costs will be reimbursed only if authorized by the Contract/Purchase Order.  If authorized, shipping costs must be itemized.  Where shipping costs exceed $100, the invoice must be supported by a bill of lading or a paid carrier's receipt.

1. 1. The Contractor shall submit invoice to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/Office of Financial Management (OFM) via email at invoicing@nih.gov with a copy to the approving official, as directed below. The Contractor must follow step-by-step instructions as stated in the NIH/OFM Electronic Invoicing Instructions for NIH Contractors/Vendors, which is included as an attachment on the website at https://oamp.od.nih.gov/DGS/DGS-workform-information/attachment-files. The invoice shall be transmitted as an attachment via email to the address listed above in one of the following formats: Word, or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). The Contractor must submit only one invoice per email. Do not submit supporting documentation (e.g., receipts, time sheets, vendor invoices, etc.) with your invoice unless specified elsewhere in the contract or requested by the Contracting Officer.

The Contractor shall submit a copy of the electronic invoice to the following Approving Official Contracting Officer Representative/Technical Point of Contact:

Contracting Officer Representative

Name – TBD  Email Address - TBD  

For inquiries regarding the status of invoices, contact OFM Customer Service via email at ofm_customer_service@incontactemail.com or via phone at 301-496-6088. To send your inquiries via other available communication methods refer to the OFM Customer Service website at https://ofm.od.nih.gov/Pages/Customer-Service.aspx.

Note: The OFM Customer Service is open Eastern Standard Time Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is closed between 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

1. Invoice Payment

1. Except as indicated in paragraph B., below, the due date for making invoice payments by the designated payment office shall be the later of the following two events:

1. The 30th day after the designated billing office has received a proper invoice.
2. The 30th day after Government acceptance of supplies delivered or services performed.
    

1. The due date for making invoice payments for meat and meat food products, perishable agricultural commodities, dairy products, and edible fats or oils, shall be in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act, as amended.

1. Interest Penalties

1. An interest penalty shall be paid automatically, if payment is not made by the due date and the conditions listed below are met, if applicable.

1. A proper invoice was received by the designated billing office.
2. A receiving report or other Government documentation authorizing payment was processed and there was no disagreement over quantity, quality, or contractor compliance with a term or condition.
3. In the case of a final invoice for any balance of funds due the contractor for supplies delivered or services performed, the amount was not subject to further settlement actions between the Government and the Contractor.

1. Determination of interest and penalties due will be made in accordance with the provisions of the Prompt Payment Act, as amended, the Contract Disputes Act, and regulations issued by the Office of Management and Budget.

1. PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENT TO SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS, FAR 52.232-40 (December 2013)

1. Upon receipt of accelerated payments from the Government, the Contractor shall make accelerated payments to its small business subcontractors under this contract, to the maximum extent practicable and prior to when such payment is otherwise required under the applicable contract or subcontract, after receipt of a proper invoice and all other required documentation from the small business subcontractor. 
2. The acceleration of payments under this clause does not provide any new rights under the prompt Payment Act.
3. Include the substance of this clause, include this paragraph c, in all subcontracts with small business concerns, including subcontracts with small business concerns for the acquisition of commercial items. 

(End of Clause)

1.  CONTRACT CLAUSES

Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Jun 2023)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Nov 2015).

(5) 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) (31 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801).

(6)   52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(7)   52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 ( 19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

_x_ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Jun 2020), with Alternate I (Nov 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 4655).

__ (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) (41 U.S.C. 3509)).

__ (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Jun 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

_x_ (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jun 2020) (Pub. L. 109-282) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (5) [Reserved].

__ (6) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

__ (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

__ (8) 52.204-27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (Jun 2023) (Section 102 of Division Rx of Pub. L. 117-328).

_x_ (9) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Nov 2021) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (10) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

__ (11) [Reserved].

_x_ (12) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (13) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (14) [Reserved]

__ (15)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-6.

_x_ (16)(i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-7.

__ (17) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

__ (18)(i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

__ (iii) Alternate II (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

__ (iv) Alternate III (Jun 2020) of 52.219-9.

__ (v) Alternate IV (Sep 2021) of 52.219-9.

__ (19)(i) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (Mar 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-13.

__ (20) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637s).

__ (21) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (Sep 2021) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

_x_ (22) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

__ (23)(i) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Mar 2023)(15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-28.

__ (24) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

__ (25) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

__ (26) 52.219-32, Orders Issued Directly Under Small Business Reserves (Mar 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

_x_ (27) 52.219-33, Nonmanufacturer Rule (Sep 2021) (15U.S.C. 637(a)(17)).

_x_ (28) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (Jun 2003) (E.O.11755).

_x_ (29) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Dec 2022) (E.O.13126).

_x_ (30) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

_x_ (31) (i) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2016) (E.O.11246).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Feb 1999) of 52.222-26.

_x_ (32) (i) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Jun 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-35.

_x_ (33) (i) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-36.

__ (34) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Jun 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

__ (35) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496).

_x_ (36)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

__ (37) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (May 2022) (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial products or commercial services as prescribed in FAR 22.1803.)

__ (38)(i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA–Designated Items (May 2008) ( 42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

__ (ii) Alternate I (May 2008) of 52.223-9 (42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

__ (39) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (40) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (41)(i) 52.223-13, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Imaging Equipment (Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Oct 2015) of 52.223-13.

__ (42)(i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Televisions (Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Jun2014) of 52.223-14.

__ (43) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (May 2020) (42 U.S.C. 8259b).

_x_ (44)(i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Personal Computer Products (Oct 2015) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Jun 2014) of 52.223-16.

__ (45) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (Jun 2020) (E.O. 13513).

__ (46) 52.223-20, Aerosols (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

__ (47) 52.223-21, Foams (Jun2016) (E.O. 13693).

_x_ (48)(i) 52.224-3 Privacy Training (Jan 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552 a).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3.

__ (49)(i) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (Oct 2022) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Oct 2022) of 52.225-1.

__ (50)(i) 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (Dec 2022) (19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, 19 U.S.C. chapter 29 (sections 4501-4732), Public Law 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43.

__ (ii) Alternate I [Reserved].

__ (iii) Alternate II (Dec 2022) of 52.225-3.

__ (iv) Alternate III (Jan 2021) of 52.225-3.

__ (v) Alternate IV (Oct 2022) of 52.225-3.

_x_ (51) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (Dec 2022) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).

__ (52) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (Feb 2021) (E.O.’s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

__ (53) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. Subtitle A, Part V, Subpart G Note).

__ (54) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

__ (55) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

__ (56) 52.229-12, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements (Feb 2021).

__ (57) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 3805).

_x_ (58) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 3805).

__ (59) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (Oct2018) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

__ (60) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

__ (61) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (May 2014) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

__ (62) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (Aug 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

__ (63) 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Jan 2017) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(13)).

__ (64)(i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2021) (46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Apr 2003) of 52.247-64.

__ (iii) Alternate II (Nov 2021) of 52.247-64.

(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

__ (1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter67).

__ (2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Aug 2018) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (4) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (May 2014) ( 29U.S.C.206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (5) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (6) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

__ (7) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022).

__ (8) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) (E.O. 13706).

__ (9) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Jun 2020) (42 U.S.C. 1792).

(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, as defined in FAR 2.101, on the date of award of this contract, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records-Negotiation.

(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor’s directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.

(2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.

(3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.

(e)(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1), in a subcontract for commercial products or commercial services. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause-

(i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

(ii) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(iii) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(iv) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(v) 52.204-27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (Jun 2023) (Section 102 of Division R of Pub. L. 117-328).

(vi) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds the applicable threshold specified in FAR 19.702(a) on the date of subcontract award, the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

(vii) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

(viii) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2015) (E.O.11246).

(ix) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Jun 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(x) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793).

(xi) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Jun 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(xii) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40.

(xiii) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xiv)(A) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O 13627).

(B) Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(xv) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xvi) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xvii) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (May 2022) (E.O. 12989).

(xviii) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022).

(xix) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) (E.O. 13706).

(xx)(A) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (Jan 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

(B) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3.

(xxi) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. Subtitle A, Part V, Subpart G Note).

(xxii) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Jun 2020) (42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

(xxiii) 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) (31 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (c) of 52.232-40.

(xxiv)   52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2021) (46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

(2) While not required, the Contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial products and commercial services a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.

(End of clause)

Alternate I (Feb 2000). As prescribed in 12.301 (b)(4)(i), delete paragraph (d) from the basic clause, redesignate paragraph (e) as paragraph (d), and revise the reference to "paragraphs (a), (b), (c), or (d) of this clause" in the redesignated paragraph (d) to read "paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this clause".

Alternate II (Jun 2023). As prescribed in 12.301 (b)(4)(ii), substitute the following paragraphs (d)(1) and (e)(1) for paragraphs (d)(1) and (e)(1) of the basic clause as follows:

(d)(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, an appropriate Inspector General appointed under section 3 or 8 G of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.), or an authorized representative of either of the foregoing officials shall have access to and right to—

(i) Examine any of the Contractor’s or any subcontractors’ records that pertain to, and involve transactions relating to, this contract; and

(ii) Interview any officer or employee regarding such transactions.

(e)(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c), of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause in a subcontract for commercial products or commercial services, other than—

(i) Paragraph (d) of this clause. This paragraph flows down to all subcontracts, except the authority of the Inspector General under paragraph (d)(1)(ii) does not flow down; and

(ii) Those clauses listed in this paragraph (e)(1). Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause-

(A) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

(B) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Jun 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5).

(C) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(D) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(E) 52.204-27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (Jun 2023) (Section 102 of Division R of Pub. L. 117-328).

(F) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds the applicable threshold specified in FAR 19.702(a) on the date of subcontract award, the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

(G) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

(H) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2016) (E.O. 11246).

(I) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Jun 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

(J) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793).

(K) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40.

(L) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(M) __ (1) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O 13627).

__ (2) Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

(N) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(O) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(P) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (May 2022) (Executive Order 12989).

(Q) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (Jan 2022).

(R) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) (E.O. 13706).

(S)__ (1) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (Jan 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

__ (2) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3.

(T) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. Subtitle A, Part V, Subpart G Note).

(U) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations. (Jun 2020) (42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.

(V) 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (MAR 2023) (31 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (c) of 52.232-40.

(W) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Nov 2021) (46 U.S.C. 55305 and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

Parent topic: 52.212 [Reserved]

(End of clause)

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference. (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

https://www.acquisition.gov/hhsar

(End of Clause)

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) – CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Clause No.                  Title

FAR 52.204-13           System for Award Management Maintenance (OCT 2018)

FAR 52.204-18           Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (AUG 2020)

FAR 52.204-21           Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems

(NOV 2021)

FAR 52.212-4             Contract Terms and Conditions- Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (DEC 2022)

FAR 52.232-40           Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors

(NOV 2021)

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ACQUISITION REGULATION (HHSAR) – CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Clause No.                  Title

HHSAR 325.222-70   Contractor Cooperation in Equal Employment Opportunity Investigations (DEC 2015)

HHSAR 352.227-70   Publications and Publicity (DEC 2015)

HHSAR 352.237-74   Non-Discrimination in Service Delivery (DEC 2015)

HHSAR 352.239-74   Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility (DEC 2015)

HHSAR 352.203-70   Anti-Lobbying (DEC 2015)

HHSAR 352.208-70   Printing and Duplication (DEC 2015)

(END OF CONTRACT CLAUSES)

1. SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

FAR 52.204-24 Representations Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (NOV 2021)

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument" in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services. The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services" in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204-26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212-3.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Prohibition.(1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services".

(d) Representation. The Offeror represents that—

(1) It will, ☐ will ☐ not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds "will" in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that—

It ☐ does, ☐ does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds "does" in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(e) Disclosures. 

(1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "will" in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "does" in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(End of provision)

FAR 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

https://www.acquisition.gov/hhsar

 (End of provision)

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) – PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Provision No.              Title

FAR 52.203-17           Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights and Requirement to Inform Employees of Whistleblower Rights (JUN 2020)

FAR 52.204-7             System for Award Management (OCT 2018)

FAR 52.204-16           Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (AUG 2020)

FAR 52.209-7             Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (2018)

FAR 52.212-1             Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items (NOV 2021)

FAR 52.212-3             Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items

                                    (DEC 2022)(Provision in full-text included as attachment)

FAR 52.217-5             Evaluation of Options (JUL 1990)

FAR 52.227-14           Rights in Data-General (May 2014)

FAR 52.229-11           Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements (JUN 2020)

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ACQUISITION REGULATION (HHSAR) – PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

HHSAR 352.239-73   Electronic Information and Technology Accessibility Notice (DEC 2015) RIGHTS

(END OF PROVISIONS)

1. QUOTE SUBMISSION / EVALUATION (52.212-1 ADDENDA)

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

This Request for Quotation (RFQ) does not commit the Government to pay any cost for the preparation and submission of a quote. In addition, the Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in connection with this proposed acquisition. By submitting a quote in response to this solicitation, it is understood that your firm’s quote shall become a part of the official contract file. The Government is not responsible for locating or securing any information which the Quoter does not include or identify in their quotation.

QUESTION SUBMISSIONS

Please submit questions concerning this RFQ via email by no later than 10:00 A.M. EST on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 (07/25/23) to the point of contact listed below:

    Name: Miguel Diaz 

    Email: miguel.diaz@nih.gov

Note: Questions submitted by a method other than email will not be accepted. Any questions received after the specified cut-off time and date above will not be accepted or answered unless at the Contracting Officers discretion is deemed necessary. Additionally, all questions and answers of common interest will be provided to all prospective offerors via an amendment to the posting. All emails must include the Solicitation number “75N91023Q6545067” in the subject line.

   

QUOTATION SUBMISSIONS

Quotations submitted in response to this solicitation must be submitted via email no later than 10:00 A.M. EST on Friday, August 04, 2023 (08/04/23) to the point of contract listed below:

    Name: Miguel Diaz

    Email: miguel.diaz@nih.gov

Quoters may submit more than one quote. If multiple quotes are provided, the Government will evaluate each quote separately. All quotations shall provide enough information for the Government to conduct a thorough evaluation of the quotes provided, and the quoter’s ability to fulfill the stated needs within this RFQ. At a minimum all quotes shall include in the following:

1. Cover letter including:

• RFQ Number
• Federal Tax Identification Number (TIN);
• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI);
• Cage Code;
• Business size and designation (i.e., Small, Other than Small);
• The applicable solicitation number for which the quote is provided;
• Point of Contact Information for individuals authorized to commit on behalf of their organization. Including name, address, and telephone number of the offeror;
• "Remit to" address, if different than the mailing address;
• Include a statement to the effect that pricing is firm for a period of at least 60 days from the date of receipt by the Government.

1. Pricing and discount terms;
2. Acknowledgement of Solicitation Amendments;
3. Terms of any Express Warranty;
4. A completed copy of the representations and certifications at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b)) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically)(See attachment to the Combined Synopsis Solicitation);

1. A technical description of the items/services being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary.

Note: It’s the Quoter’s responsibility to read the RFQ and all related documents carefully. Additionally, it is the Quoter’s responsibility to ensure/verify the Government receives its submission on or before the date/time specified above. The Government reserves the right to not accept any late quotes, any quote that does not provide items/services requested, or quotes that do not conform to the requirements of the RFQ. Please do not wait until the deadline to submit your quotation. Quotes submitted by any other means other than email will not be accepted. All emails must include the Solicitation number “75N91023Q6545067” in the subject line.

BASIS FOR AWARD AND EVALUATION

Comparative Evaluation Language: This requirement is being evaluated in accordance with (FAR) subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice, and shall be processed in accordance with (FAR Part 13– Simplified Acquisition Procedures / FAR 13.5 - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Products and Commercial Services). The NCI anticipates issuing a single award to the responsive firm that submits the quotation which represents the best value to the Government. The Government’s evaluation of quotes for award will be conducted in accordance with the requirements set forth in FAR 13.106, and may perform a comperative evaluation of offerors quotes. This evaluation will be based-off the factors identified in FAR 52.212-2 above. The Government is not responsible for locating or securing any information which the Quoter does not include or identify in their quotation.

The Government intends to evaluate quotations and make an award without conducting “discussions.” Quotes which merely offer to conduct services in accordance with the requirements of the Government's scope of work will not be eligible for award. Therefore, the Quoter’s initial quote should contain the best terms from a price and technical standpoint. The Government reserves the right to request revisions that seek additional price discounts revisions to the technical quote, or clarifications for aspects of the quote. If the Government seeks revisions or clarifications, the Government will provide a reasonable deadline for submission of those revisions/clarifications based on the complexity of the request. The Government reserves the right to request revisions or clarifications from only one or a select number of Quoters, if doing so would be in the public’s interest. The Government may reject any or all quotes if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest quote; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in quotes received.